BJ's Blog

What is grape Seed Extract?

Grape seed extract is a natural plant substance that has a concentrated source of procyanidins. These anti-oxidants help protect cells from free radical damage and also promotes healthy circulation. Grape Seed Extract is rich in polyphenols, a compound that’s high in antioxidants. Studies have shown procyanidins to be more powerful antioxidants than vitamin C,E, and beta-carotene.
Before Grape seed extract was discovered, the best sources of antioxidants came from vitamin C,E, and beta-carotene; however , these sources were not powerful enough to fight free radicals and are also excreted by the body within a short time of ingestion. Grape seed extract, on the other hand, has been shown to remain in the body for as long as 3 full days, and is 20 times more potent than vitamin C, and 50 times more stronger than Vitamin E. It can be said that grape seed extract is one of the most powerful antioxidants available.

What else can grape seed extract do?

Some people call these polyphenols “nature’s biological response modifiers” because of their ability to help the body fight viruses, allergens, and carcinogens.That means that among their many talents, they exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-cancerous and anti-microbial activity.

Procyanadin: The secret anti aging vitamin?

As well as the disease prevention, procyanidins are thought to protect the body from premature ageing.
Scientists think they do this by increasing vitamin C levels in the cells and scavenging for toxins so the organs can get rid of them.

A good “side effect”: Younger looking skin

Procyanidins also bond with collagen, the most abundant protein in the body and a key component of skin, gums, bones, teeth, hair and body tissues.
The bonding promotes cell health and skin elasticity, making it seem more youthful, in a process that works almost like a natural face-lift. Procyanidins additionally help protect the body from sun damage, which can also cause premature ageing of the skin.

More importantly it helps inside the body

Vanity is one thing, but underlying health is quite another.
Far more important to your body than looking good, is the fact that procyanidins can improve your vision, the flexibility of your joints, the health of your arteries and body tissues (such as the heart) and also strengthen capilliaries and veins to improve your circulatory system.This is important because the health of your circulatory system affects the health of your heart.
It seems that grape seed extract delays the oxidation of low density lipoproteins, the fats that are responsible for “bad cholesterol”.
The longer it takes for LDL to oxidize, the less likely it is to start clogging up your veins and arteries. People who drink purple grape juice can show an increase in oxidation lag time of 27%.

The other “secret ingredient” of grape seed extract.

One other of the grape’s hidden health weapons is also worth a mention: it’s called resveratrol. This chemical is found primarily in the skin and seeds, particularly in muscadine grapes, and it confers a number of beneficial effects to the body.
They include all those mentioned above, but also an ability to help the brain and its processes work efficiently i.e. they have neuroprotective capabilities. In rats, this has life-prolonging effects, so it’s reasonable to assume it may do the same for other animals, humans included.

Whats the best way to get grape seed extract into your body?

Luckily, you don’t have to drink litres of wine or grape juice, or eat sacks of grape seeds to get these helpful chemicals into your body.
Thanks to modern technology, we now have high-quality grape seed extract in the form of supplements.
That means you can enjoy all the health-giving properties of grape seed simply by taking a pill.
Meanwhile, it’s a bonus to know that all these amazing added benefits are coming from the “waste products” of wine, so that an enjoyable pastime for some folks results in a health boost for millions of others.
Next time you toast your good health, you might like to spare a thought for the humble grape seed and all the wonders it can offer your body. Cheers!

Grape Seed Extract Side Effects

Thus far, there are little or no side effects reported with grape seed extract, and no drug interactions have been reported either. Howerver, grape seed extract my cause excessive bleeding for individuals taking blood thinners, and also, you should not take grape seed extract if you’re allergic to grapes.
Some minor side effects may include dizziness,nausea, and it may interfere with cholesterol lowering drugs. Of cours, if you have concerns, it’s always a good idea to consult a health care professional before using any supplements.

How much do i need to consume?

There’s no established recommended daily amont for gps, but most research doses range from 50mg to 200mg per day. Debasis Bagchi, a leading grape seed extract researcher recommends daily dose of 50mg for ages 30 to 40 years, 100mg for ages 40 to 50 years, and 200mg for adults older than 50 years.

MY TWO CENTS:

You can purchase Grape Seed Extract from Kalahari by clicking on the following link:

Ginseng is a slow growing herb, which consists of a light colored root, a single stalk and long oval green leaves. Ginseng contains complex carbohydrates called saponins or ginsengsines. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer elements.

Ginseng: The Mystical Healer

Ginseng is the most widely available herbal supplement today. Many people believe the ginseng plant has mystical healing powers and health benefits.

Ginseng root

Ginseng’s original name was “man root” since the ginseng root resembles the shape of a human body. Ancient Chinese doctrines state that a plant that resembles a human body part will have a healing effect on that body part. Therefore it is believed ginseng is able to restore harmony to the entire body.

Ginseng is a slow growing herb, which consists of a light colored root, a single stalk and long oval green leaves. Ginseng contains complex carbohydrates called saponins or ginsengsines. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer elements.

For years, the Chinese have used ginseng as an energy tonic. Today, the western world is exploring its benefits in treating stress and levels of mental lucidity.

Russian research has found ginseng stimulates physical and mental activity in tired and weak individuals. It was also found to help with balance.

Asian research has found that ginseng helps mental improvement, eliminates anemia, and helps prevent diabetes, neurosis, coughs, tuberculosis and asthma. It was also found to strengthen the gastrointestinal system and help with liver regeneration. It is even able to reduce the effects of alcohol and decrease hangovers. People taking regular ginseng were found to be able to handle higher levels of stress on both an emotional and physical level.

It is advised to stop taking ginseng if you experience side effects such as a rash or diarrhea, or if you develop a fever. People using warfarin, a blood thinner, should consult their physician and be monitored.

Ginseng plant

If you are interested in trying ginseng, the best supplements to buy are those which have not been subjected to excessive processing, thereby rendering them ineffective. Also, make sure you purchase authentic ginseng products since wide variations in quality exist today. It was found 15% of ginseng products contained no ginseng when tested. Your best guarantee of quality would be to purchase the whole root.

There is tradition, folklore, and research which support the healing and health benefits of ginseng.

It also has experienced safe use through the years. There has been more modern research done on ginseng than on any other herb. In fact, today athletic performance experts as well as the medical community are studying it.

Although it is best known and successful at boosting the immune system, improving mental function, and enhancing the ability to deal with stress, there are still studies being done to determine what other areas ginseng can be beneficial.

Are there different kinds of ginseng?

There are different kinds of ginseng that cure certain medical problems. Some of the ginsengs have anti-cancer effects in the body. The most common kinds are Chinese ginseng, Korean ginseng, Tropical Snowflake ginseng, Aralia, Schefflera, and many more. Each of these has individual features and different healing effects.

What is Panax ginseng?

Panax ginseng is sometimes called Korean ginseng. This refers to a deciduous perennial shrub with roots that are cultivated for 4-6 years in order to reach the age of maturity.

Panax is the most popular form of ginseng. This is commonly used as an anti-aging herb by most of the Chinese and Korean peoples. This is a popular herb today because it has fewer side effects and no toxic effects.

What is wild ginseng?

Wild ginseng is a ginseng that is not planted or cultivated domestically. It can be found almost anywhere because it grows naturally. However, the availability of wild ginseng is decreasing because it is already becoming endangered.

How much does ginseng cost?

Prices of ginseng products vary. It will depend on the kind of ginseng recommended for you by the pharmacist. Types of ginseng range from 60 to 100 Rand or more.

There are also ginseng roots that are sold for low prices but the highest grade will reach as high as $10,000 per root. Besides demand, the manner of cultivation also affects the price of ginseng.

How should I take ginseng: in capsules? in tea? just chew it?

You can take ginseng in capsules an hour prior to bedtime. You can also prepare it as tea. However, you should never take all the forms like tablets, teas and tinctures at the same time. This will cause an overdose of ginseng.

Is one form of ginseng more effective than another?

Standardized extracts and solid forms of ginseng have been proven more effective than others. They also provide more reliable effects than the other formulations.

Should I take ginseng with food?

The use or intake of ginseng sometimes differs from culture to culture. At present there are no specific restrictions in terms of food, beverages or any activity while a person is taking ginseng, but this should be directed by your health care provider.

How should ginseng be stored?

Most ginseng will have storage directions on the package. In general, ginseng should be protected from too much light and moisture to preserve its effect, so store in in a dark, dry place.

MY TWO CENTS:

Ginseng, Green Tea & Spirulina: My top 3 supplements for natural healthy living.

You can purchase some gingseng from Kalahari by clicking on the following link:

Is any other food or drink reported to have as many health benefits as green tea? The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. In her book

The Miracle of Green Tea

“Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one.” (Ancient Chinese Proverb)

Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life, Nadine Taylor states that green tea has been used as a medicine in China for at least 4,000 years.

Today, scientific research in both Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For example, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol. To sum up, here are just a few medical conditions in which drinking green tea is reputed to be helpful:

• cancer
• rheumatoid arthritis
• high cholesterol levels
• cariovascular disease
• infection
• impaired immune function

What makes green tea so special?

The secret of green tea lies in the fact it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke. Links are being made between the effects of drinking green tea and the “French Paradox.” For years, researchers were puzzled by the fact that, despite consuming a diet rich in fat, the French have a lower incidence of heart disease than Americans. The answer was found to lie in red wine, which contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that limits the negative effects of smoking and a fatty diet. In a 1997 study, researchers from the University of Kansas determined that EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol, which may explain why the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low, even though approximately seventy-five percent are smokers. Why don’t other Chinese teas have similar health-giving properties? Green, oolong, and black teas all come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. What sets green tea apart is the way it is processed. Green tea leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. By contrast, black and oolong tea leaves are made from fermented leaves, which results in the EGCG being converted into other compounds that are not nearly as effective in preventing and fighting various diseases.

Other Benefits

New evidence is emerging that green tea can even help dieters. In November, 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva in Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo. Green tea can even help prevent tooth decay! Just as its bacteria-destroying abilities can help prevent food poisoning, it can also kill the bacteria that causes dental plaque. Meanwhile, skin preparations containing green tea – from deodorants to creams – are starting to appear on the market.

Harmful Effects?

To date, the only negative side effect reported from drinking green tea is insomnia due to the fact that it contains caffeine. However, green tea contains less caffeine than coffee: there are approximately thirty to sixty mg. of caffeine in six – eight ounces of tea, compared to over one-hundred mg. in eight ounces of coffee.

How much Green Tea should you drink?

There are as many answers to this question as there are researchers investigating the natural properties of green tea. For example, Herbs for Health magazine cites a Japanese report stating that men who drank ten cups of green tea per day stayed cancer-free for three years longer than men who drank less than three cups a day (there are approximately 240 – 320 mg of polyphenols in three cups of green tea). Meanwhile, a study by Cleveland’s Western Reserve University concluded that drinking four or more cups of green tea per day could help prevent rheumatoid arthritis, or reduce symptoms in individuals already suffering from the disease. And Japanese scientists at the Saitama Cancer Research Institute discovered that there were fewer recurrances of breast cancer, and the disease spread less quickly, in women with a history of drinking five cups or more of green tea daily. It gets more confusing. A University of California study on the cancer-preventative qualities of green tea concluded that you could probably attain the desired level of polyphenols by drinking merely two cups per day. On the other hand, a company selling a green tea capsule formula insists that ten cups per day are necessary to reap the maximum benefits. How can you make sense of these conflicting claims? Given all the evidence, it is probably safe to plan on drinking four to five cups of green tea per daily. If you’re a real devotee, by all means drink more; but whether or not you’ll derive added health benefits remains to be determined by further research.

How to Brew a Cup of Green Tea Producing the perfect cup of green tea is a tricky process. If not handled properly, those same polyphenols that provide health benefits can ruin the flavor, making the tea taste “gassy.” It’s particularly important not to overbrew. While it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each variety of green tea, here are some general instructions:

• Use one tea bag, or 2 – 4 grams of tea,* per cup.
• Fill a kettle with cold water and bring to a boil.
• After unplugging the kettle, allow it to stand for up to 3 minutes.
• Pour the heated water over the tea bag or tea, and allow it to steep for up to 3 minutes. If using a tea bag, remove the bag.
• Allow the tea to cool for three more minutes.

*One to two teaspoons, depending on the variety of green tea you are brewing.

References:

MY TWO CENTS:

I have been drinking green tea for at least 5 years and there is nothing as refreshing as a cup of green tea. If you are a coffee drinker it takes a bit of time to get use to, but eating healthy is a choice. If you eat hamburgers all the the time you are going to crave hamburgers , if you drink a lot of coffee you crave caffeine. If you eat healthy you are crave healthy foods. It just takes a mind set chance.

Then there is always the option off taking green tea pills. All the major sports nutrition companies are use green tea in their products as they are aware the benefits of green tea.

You can purchase green tea capsules from kalahari by clicking on the following link: